While La Jolla is well-known for hosting droves of tourists every year, it’s also home to another outside population: seals and sea lions, who can be found year-round at La Jolla Cove and other beaches in the neighborhood. These pinnipeds, mostly California sea lions and Pacific harbor seals, enjoy relaxing in the ocean near the beach or sunning themselves on the rocks and are used to people. However, even though the seals and sea lions are calm around human beings, you should still enjoy them from a respectful distance so you don’t disturb them.
Besides La Jolla Cove, the best places in the neighborhood to see seals are Boomer Beach, Seal Rock, and Children’s Pool Beach. The seals and sea lions tend to hang out in these places year-round, although they often converge on Children’s Pool Beach between December and May to birth and raise their pups. You don’t really have to go out of your way at all if you want to see them – they’re just an integral part of the La Jolla experience.
As is always the case with native wildlife, you should feel free to take pictures of the seals but keep your distance. This is mostly to prevent the animals from being disturbed, but it’s for your own safety as well – male sea lions can reach up to 800 lbs and they’re more than willing to throw that weight around to defend themselves or their family. Certain areas, like Point La Jolla, have been closed down permanently because tourists kept getting too close to the seals, so make sure you’re not part of the problem when you visit. As long as you give them their space, you’ll be totally fine!
To make the most of your next trip, check out our La Jolla Cove Self-Guided Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
